Effect of pre-harvest application of methyl jasmonate on qualitative characteristics and storage life of plum Prunus domestica cv. Golden Drop

Plum as a fruit is used in fresh market or processed form. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest application of methyl jasmonate on qualitative characteristics and shelf life of plum cv" Gold Drop". Experiment was carried out as a factorial based on randomized complete blocks design with four replications. Treatments were included in five levels of methyl jasmonate (0, 5.0, 1, 5.1, 2 mM) that were used as spray on selected branches of trees. After harvesting, fruits were stored at 2 °C and 95% relative humidity for 6 weeks. The qualitative characteristics including firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total phenol- and flavonoid, total antioxidant activity and pH of fruit juice were measured every week. The results showed that methyl jasmonate had significant effects on qualitative traits and shelf life of fruits. The pH of fruit juice in treated fruits were less than control and the amount of soluble solids, firmness, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total phenol- and flavonoid and antioxidant activity in treated fruits were more than control fruits. Methyl jasmonate at 2 mM concentration were resulted in better preservation vitamin C, soluble solids, pH, firmness, phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant activity was compared to other concentrations.